M&C Review

COUNCIL ACTION:  Approved on 11/14/2017 - Ordinance No. 22995-11-2017
DATE: 11/14/2017 REFERENCE NO.: **C-28473 LOG NAME: 19NS TDHCA-DOE 2018
CODE: C TYPE: CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING: NO
SUBJECT:   Authorize Acceptance of 2018 U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program Grant Funds, a Federally Funded Program Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Designed to Provide Assistance for Low to Moderate Income Residents to Perform Home Modifications to Reduce Overall Energy Costs from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in an Amount Up to $400,000.00, Authorize Execution of Related Contracts, Adopt Appropriation Ordinance and Waive Indirect Costs (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Authorize the acceptance of U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the 2018 Weatherization Assistance Program in an amount up to $400,000.00;

2.  Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any amendments, extensions and renewals, in accordance with City policies and regulations, with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the grant funds for the program year beginning on January 1, 2018 and ending on December 31, 2018;

3.  Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund in the amount of $400,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant; and

4. Waive indirect costs in the amount of $10,395.00.
 
DISCUSSION:

The City has operated the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) with grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) since 1982.  This funding is in addition to the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program funds provided by TDHCA, which funds approximately $1,000,000.00 on an annual basis.  The program provides weatherization services for low-income residents in Tarrant County.  Weatherization measures include attic insulation, weather stripping, caulking, repair and replacement of windows and doors and other minor repairs.  Administrative costs are restricted to 10 percent based on the total allowable expenditures for the WAP.

The City has weatherized approximately 35 houses with funding from this grant between January and September 2017 and will target completing 50 houses in 2018. Overall, the WAP has completed 113 units during this same period in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits. The 2018 United States Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program grant provides for 1.25 full time positions with estimated direct salaries of $63,000.00. The addition of indirect costs would result in reduction of services and staff. The estimated indirect cost to be waived is $10,395.00.

This program services ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.

This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
 
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:

The Director of Finance certifies that, upon approval of the above recommendations, receipt of the grant and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, of the Grants Fund. This is a reimbursement grant.
TO
    Fund Department
ID		 Account Project
ID		 Program Activity Budget
Year		 Reference #
(Chartfield 2)		 Amount

FROM
    Fund Department
ID		 Account Project
ID		 Program Activity Budget
Year		 Reference #
(Chartfield 2)		 Amount
Submitted for City Manager's Office by:
Fernando Costa (6122)
Originating Department Head:
Aubrey Thagard (8187)
Additional Information Contact:
Sonia Singleton (5774)
 
 
ATTACHMENTS
  19NS TDHCA-DOE 2018 _21001_AO18.docx